The Nation's Best Gluten-Free Bakeries

These top-notch bakeries nix gluten, but their treats taste just like the real deal.

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Wicked Local

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Posted Apr. 12, 2014 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 12, 2014 at 11:24 PM

Posted Apr. 12, 2014 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 12, 2014 at 11:24 PM

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Gluten intolerance doesn’t have to be a grim diagnosis for someone with a sweet tooth, and to prove it, we’ve searched the country for the best gluten-free bakeries. Dispelling the myth that "gluten-free" is synonymous with "tasteless," these 7 wheat-free bakeries churn out delicious goodies that are as good as—if not better than—the real thing. Trust us, you won't miss the wheat.
Breakaway Bakery (Los Angeles, CA)
As its name suggests, this trendy L.A.-based bakery helps customers "break away" from bad ingredients with delicious baked goods that are sure to please even the most sensitive of stomachs. Breakaway Bakery eschews the use of xanthan gum—a popular ingredient used in commercial gluten-free breads and pastries that can cause gastrointestinal distress. In addition to its selection of killer-looking cookies, moist cakes, and perfectly chewy brownies, this kosher-certified establishment specializes in traditional Jewish pastries. Make sure to get your hands on some traditional Challah egg bread, a piece of cinnamon-raisin stuffed rugelach, or the sweet, brioche-like yeast cake known as babka (pictured above).
Tu Lu’s (New York City, NY)Bakery owner Tully Phillips is a total knockout in the kitchen, thanks to her authentic southern roots and her culinary school education. Offering a gorgeous spread of wheat-free treats that are just as pleasing to the eye as they are to the stomach, it's no wonder why her bakery has gained a cult following (and recently opened up a new location in Dallas!). While the charming cupcakes are an ever-popular staple at this chic bakery, Tu Lu’s is best known for its sinfully-delicious cinnamon coffee cake that gives Cinnabon a serious run for its money.
Sweet Freedom (Philadelphia, PA)
Catering to numerous food sensitivities, from gluten intolerance to peanut allergies, Sweet Freedom knocks other wheat-free bakeries out of the park. A safe haven for nearly any diner, Sweet Freedom's baked goods are made without dairy, casein, eggs, gluten, corn, peanuts, soy, chemical sweeteners or preservatives. While this long list of have-nots might make you skeptical about the taste, you’re sure to change your mind when you lay eyes on Sweet Freedom's drool-worthy, Girl Scout-inspired Samoa doughnut (think dreamy coconut cream icing, sweet caramel drizzle, crunchy toasted coconut, and an oozing, chocolate-filled center). If savory treats are more your style, your taste buds will jump for joy at the slightly sweet and delightfully tangy tomato pie, which is one of their best-sellers.
Unrefined Bakery (Dallas, TX)
This organic, all-natural, non-GMO bakery based out of Dallas caters to an extremely health-conscious consumer. Mommy-daughter duo Anne and Taylor eliminate junk, unrefined ingredients, and common allergens from their tasty line-up of unrefined breads, muffins, and gluten-free brownies. While it’s easy to get lost in the desserts, Unrefined's signature "food bars" take the cake. These unprocessed energy bars—made from a wholesome mix of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds—make a great snack on the go, a wonderful mini-meal to tide you over, or a sweet but sinless finale following dinner.
Dee’s One Smart Cookie (Glastonbury, CT)
Kicking white refined sugar, preservatives, and artificial colors to the curb, this gluten-free bakery shuns the use of unnatural ingredients without skimping on flavor. Dee’s sensational custom-made cakes, covered in delicate fondant, bring the wow factor to any occasion. But it's the bakery's uniquely-crafted cupcakes that are the true scene-stealer: Available in an array of imaginative flavors—from zingy green tea with lemon to classic red velvet to whimsical funfetti—Dee's scene-stealing cupcakes will have you coming back time and time again. Our mouth is watering just thinking about their tropical-inspired pina colada cupcake, a delightful concoction featuring moist coconut cake with a fresh pineapple filling and vanilla buttercream frosting
Molly’s Gluten-Free Bakery (Pewaukee, WI)
Mary, a second-generation gluten-free baker, insists that her motive behind operating this bakery was simple: “[Being gluten-free] shouldn't mean feeling like the only one with a plate of different food. School lunches should still include your favorite PB&J. And a happy birthday should include a delicious cake.” We tend to agree. So if you long for the days of piping hot French loafs, sandwich bread that actually holds together, pull-apart pretzels that are perfectly soft and chewy, and crumble-free cookies that taste just like grandma’s, then stop your search at Molly’s Gluten-Free Bakery. This Wisconsin gem has garnered five-star ratings and rave reviews from nearly every patron, and customers insist that the high-quality baked goods are some of the very best they’ve ever tasted—gluten free or otherwise. Highlights include ‘I-can’t-believe-it’s-gluten-free’ cupcakes, delectable ginger snap cookies, and the perfect mock rye sandwich bread.
Gluten Free Cutie (Roswell, GA)
A Mecca for gluten-intolerant folks, this Georgia bakery offers wheat-free alternatives for nearly every gluten-filled favorite imaginable. The menu doesn't end at uniquely flavored cupcakes, hearty breads, and scrumptious cookies, like many bakeries of its kind. Instead, Natalie has whipped up celiac-safe favorites to suit almost any palate, such as her southern-inspired biscuits, cinnamon rolls, savory scones, and classic cornbread. If sweets are more your style, she also creates massive cookie cakes, scrumptious whoopee pies, and dreamy puddings. If that weren’t enough to tempt you yet, the bakery also boasts cake pops, seasonal fruit pies, and savory delights such as pizza, mac n’ cheese, and chicken pot pies. I think its safe to say we’re ready to move to Roswell.
This article originally appeared as on Spry Living